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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alan Ross Drenning, 80, of Woodbury, on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. A beloved family member, mentor and friend, he will be sorely missed.
Born in Waterfall, Alan was the son of the late R. Fred and Madeline L. (Sheeder) Drenning.
He married Rose Marie (Steele) Drenning on Aug. 24, 1972.
Alan was a bright, outgoing and athletic kid who graduated from Tussey Mountain High School in 1962. He worked his way through college (Shippensburg University) and graduate school (Pennsylvania State University), tutoring and tending bar before dedicating himself to a lifetime in the service of others.
An affable sports enthusiast, Alan added a spark to the Bedford Gazette newsroom as Sports Editor in the 1970s. He continued as a contributing writer for several more decades, enjoying the Beaver Stadium sideline and press box privileges available to members of the press on football Saturdays in Happy Valley.
Alan began his teaching career in 1976 at Northern Bedford County High School, where he was an educator and coach for 25 years before being elected to the school board. He spent another decade in education at Snake Spring Valley Christian Academy. During his 35-year tenure as a devoted teacher and coach, Alan touched the lives of countless students with his wisdom, guidance and matchless sense of humor. In the classroom and on the baseball diamond, he led by example and brought out the best in everyone around him.
A faithful and active member of the New Enterprise Church of the Brethren, Alan was known for his generosity of spirit and unwavering commitment to his Christian faith. He gave freely of his time, whether through teaching Sunday school, serving as a deacon, organizing charity events or simply offering a listening ear to those in need.
He was a passionate sports fan, with a lifelong love for Penn State football and an annual pass to NBC athletics long after he retired and his children had graduated from the school. Alan served on the board of the Bedford County Sports Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Broad Top Area Old Timers Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021.
More than anything, Alan adored his family. His wife was his best friend and constant companion, and his children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He never missed an opportunity to attend their events or spend time with them. His stories, hugs and laughter will live on in their hearts forever.
Alan is survived by his wife, Rose Marie, of Woodbury; son, Jason, of Dallas, Texas; daughter, Erin, of Baltimore, Md.; grandchildren: Alexandra and Reid Drenning and Jackson and Annabeth Blair; and siblings: Audrey Swope, Douglas Drenning, Diana Decker, Ruth Ann Bailey, Cathy Imler and Rebecca Rodgers.
He was preceded in death by siblings: Norma Jean, Charlotte, John Wesley, Kenneth and Dennis Drenning.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at the New Enterprise Church of the Brethren, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. All who knew and loved Alan are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you direct donations to the Drenning Memorial Fund at Northern Bedford County School District; or to the New Enterprise Church of the Brethren.
Arrangements are by Fink & Stone Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Woodbury.
Please join us in honoring Alan's legacy by living with the values of love, joy and integrity that he modeled during his lifetime.
stonefuneralhomewoodbury.com